Education Center

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a vehicle service contract?

A vehicle service contract will pay the cost of covered vehicle repairs. Some vehicle service contracts also offer additional benefits, such as towing, roadside assistance, rental car, and trip interruption. These vehicle service contracts are known by several names, including “mechanical service agreements,” “extended service contracts” and “extended warranties.” These products were developed in response to consumer needs for mechanical breakdown coverage and other services after the expiration of the manufacturer's warranty.

Explore the levels of coverage available through GM Protection Plan vehicle service contracts.

Was this helpful?

Yes

No

What is a vehicle maintenance contract?

A vehicle maintenance contract covers the cost of known, scheduled maintenance expenses, such as oil changes and tire rotations.

Regardless of the type of coverage you choose, the company behind the plan is very important. When you buy a vehicle service contract, you transfer the risk of future repair costs to a company, trusting them to pay your covered repairs sometime in the future. You should be sure the company selling you the vehicle service contract is going to be in business and able to cover your claims when you need them.

The GM Protection Plan is powered by Ally, with almost 40 years of experience serving the GM family of satisfied customers, and is fully insured and administered by member companies of the Ally Insurance group.

Was this helpful?

Yes

No

My vehicle is covered by the manufacturer’s limited warranty. Why should I purchase a vehicle service contract?

The manufacturer's warranty generally is for 36 months or 36,000 miles, whichever comes first. Most customers drive their vehicles more than 36,000 miles in 36 months.

Consider purchasing a vehicle service contract:

If you drive more than 1,000 miles monthly and plan to lease or finance your vehicle for more than 36 months

If you plan to own your vehicle longer than the manufacturer's warranty

If you want to decrease your financial exposure to repair costs

Was this helpful?

Yes

No

I have powertrain warranty protecting my vehicle for 100,000 miles. Why should I purchase a vehicle service contract?

After the manufacturer's warranty expires (generally after 36 months or 36,000 miles, whichever comes first), the powertrain warranty will protect only the powertrain components of your vehicle. There are many non-powertrain components in your vehicle, and you can decrease your financial exposure to repair costs for these component groups with a vehicle service contract with more comprehensive coverage. Plus, Major Guard, a premium vehicle service contract, provides additional benefits, such as Trip Interruption and Roadside Assistance. Trip Interruption & Locksmith / Key Service is not available in Kansas.

Was this helpful?

Yes

No

I thought GM vehicles were good vehicles. Why do I need a GM Protection Plan?

All vehicles are extremely complex and expensive to repair. Purchasing a GM Protection Plan provides financial security against the rising cost of unexpected repair expense. Today's GM Protection Plan will protect you against tomorrow's costs for covered repairs.

Was this helpful?

Yes

No

When does a GM Protection Plan begin?

The agreement term of coverage is calculated from the date of contract purchase and the current odometer mileage on the vehicle.

Was this helpful?

Yes

No

When does a GM Protection Plan end?

All vehicle service contracts end at the time or mileage selected (whichever comes first), calculated from the date of vehicle service contract purchase and odometer mileage at time of vehicle service contract purchase. For example, a 24,000-mile / 24 month plan, purchased for a vehicle with 40,000 miles, will end when the odometer reaches 64,000 miles (unless the time period expires first).

Was this helpful?

Yes

No

What types of plans are available?

GM Protection Plan offers several vehicle service contracts that will pay the cost of covered vehicle repairs.

We also offer a vehicle maintenance contract, which covers known, scheduled maintenance expenses such as oil changes and tire rotations.

Was this helpful?

Yes

No

Can I purchase a Vehicle Service Contract on my used vehicle?

Yes. Additional protection is available on Used and GM Certified Used Vehicles.

Was this helpful?

Yes

No

What types of vehicles does the GM Protection Plan cover?

Most cars, light-duty trucks and crossovers.

Was this helpful?

Yes

No

Are vehicles other than GM models covered under the GM Protection Plan?

Is there special GM Protection Plan pricing available for GM or Ally employees?

Yes. GM and Ally employees, retirees and surviving spouses may purchase, with special pricing, GM Protection Plan Major Guard on New GM vehicles that have been in service up to 12 months AND have up to 12,000 odometer miles.

Was this helpful?

Yes

No

How much does the GM Protection Plan cost?

The cost depends on the vehicle and the plan selected. Vehicle considerations include: make / model, age, odometer mileage, new or used. Plan considerations include: the level of coverage, deductible and months / miles selected.

Was this helpful?

Yes

No

Can the purchase price be included in my monthly vehicle payment?

In most cases, yes. The price of the vehicle service contract can be included in your monthly vehicle payment. Your dealer can help you with the transaction and any state-specific regulations.

Yes, through our affiliation with a company called Service Payment Plan. Service Payment Plan offers an interest-free 12- 18- or 24-month payment plan available through participating GM dealers.

Was this helpful?

Yes

No

What are the GM Protection Plan deductible options?

For Major Guard, Value Guard and Basic Guard vehicle service contracts:

Vehicles within the new vehicle limited warranty have deductible options of $0, $100 or $200

Vehicles outside the new vehicle limited warranty have deductible options of $50, $100 or $200

For a Smart Protection vehicle service contract, the deductible is $0.

For a Smart Care vehicle maintenance contract, the deductible is $0.

Was this helpful?

Yes

No

Is there a money-back satisfaction guarantee?

Yes. You will receive a full refund if the GM Protection Plan is canceled within 60 days and there have been no claims filed. After 60 days, the refund amount is prorated based on time and mileage remaining. A small administrative fee may apply.

Was this helpful?

Yes

No

Do I have to buy a vehicle service or maintenance contract at the time of vehicle purchase?

It depends. Vehicle service contracts may be purchased at any time while the new vehicle limited warranty is still in effect. After the warranty has expired, a vehicle service contract may be purchased only at the time of vehicle purchase. Vehicle maintenance contracts can be purchased at any time on vehicles within 10 model years and 100,000 miles.

Was this helpful?

Yes

No

Can I purchase a GM Protection Plan on a used GM vehicle?

Yes, but if the vehicle is no longer covered by the new vehicle limited warranty, your vehicle service contract must be purchased at the time you buy the vehicle.

Was this helpful?

Yes

No

How do I purchase a GM Protection Plan?

Visit a participating GM dealership. Your GM dealer will assist you with the purchase of a GM Protection Plan. Contact Your Dealer

Was this helpful?

Yes

No

Will I receive a GM Protection Plan contract upon receipt of purchase?

You will receive a copy of the completed, signed contract registration to use as a temporary agreement. A personalized agreement and identification card will be mailed to you.

Was this helpful?

Yes

No

What if I sell my vehicle before the GM Protection Plan expires?

Your vehicle service contract can be transferred to the new owner upon sale of the vehicle, or the remainder of the vehicle service contract can be canceled. An administrative fee will apply. Contact us at 1-800-631-5590 to begin the transfer process.

Was this helpful?

Yes

No

Can I renew or extend a GM Protection Plan?

In most cases, you can purchase a new plan with additional time or mileage if you want to extend your coverage. You can cancel your existing coverage and purchase a new one anytime during the manufacturer's warranty. After the manufacturer's warranty has expired, you can usually purchase a new contract if the existing GM Protection Plan vehicle service contract term has at least 1 month and 1,000 miles of coverage agreement term remaining. Contact your local GM dealer for details.

Was this helpful?

Yes

No

Where can I get my vehicle repaired?

Repairs can be handled conveniently through any GM dealership or licensed repair shop in the United States and Canada. GM dealers are staffed with GM-trained technicians, so you can trust that your repair will be handled by a reliable technician.

Was this helpful?

Yes

No

Is authorization for repair required?

Yes, authorization is required before any covered repairs are performed on your vehicle. However, the GM dealer of your choice can manage the entire claims process for you, including securing authorization.

Was this helpful?

Yes

No

Do I have to make an appointment for repairs or maintenance?

Appointment requirements are based on the policy of the individual GM dealership or licensed repair shop.

Was this helpful?

Yes

No

If I am on vacation or traveling out-of-state, who will service my vehicle?

For your convenience, there are thousands of GM dealerships and licensed repair facilities authorized to perform necessary repairs covered under the GM Protection Plan in the United States and Canada. Find a Dealer

Was this helpful?

Yes

No

Do I have to pay for repairs and be reimbursed, or does the repair facility charge the company?

With the GM Protection Plan, your GM dealer manages the paperwork and the claim payment. You are only responsible for paying your deductible, if applicable.

If you go to an independent, licensed repair shop, depending on the policy of the repairer, you may have to pay for the repairs and request reimbursement from Ally.

Was this helpful?

Yes

No

How long will I have to wait to see if my repair is covered by the vehicle service contract?

With a GM Protection Plan vehicle service contract, most claims are approved immediately upon request.

Was this helpful?

Yes

No

What is Goodwrench Care?

Goodwrench Care is a vehicle maintenance contract for leased or purchased GM vehicles. This product was discontinued as of February 1, 2011. However, we will continue to provide services for existing holders of Goodwrench Care throughout the agreement term.

Was this helpful?

Yes

No

What does Goodwrench Care cover?

Goodwrench Care provides a specific number of complete oil changes, including filter replacements.

Was this helpful?

Yes

No

What if I move and cannot return to my selling GM dealer for Goodwrench Care service?

Call the North American Mechanical Service Center at 1-800-631-5590, and they will assist you in locating a GM dealer in your area that participates in this program.

Was this helpful?

Yes

No

What is OLM Care?

OLM Care is a vehicle maintenance contract for GM Vehicles (Chevrolet, Pontiac, Buick, GMC and Saturn vehicles) that are equipped with an Oil Life Monitor (OLM) System. This product was discontinued as of October 1, 2013. However, we will continue to provide services for existing holders of OLM Care throughout the agreement term.

Was this helpful?

Yes

No

What does OLM Care cover?

OLM Care is a vehicle maintenance contract for leased or purchased cars, light-duty trucks and vans that provides LOF (lube, oil and filter), tire rotation, fluid top off and inspection of critical safety and mechanical components of the vehicle based on GM recommended maintenance / inspection intervals which are triggered by the vehicles OLM system.

Was this helpful?

Yes

No

What if I move and cannot return to my selling GM dealer for OLM Care service?

Call the North American Mechanical Service Center at 1-800-631-5590, and they will assist you in locating a GM dealer in your area that participates in this program.